Lesson Plan: The Water Cycle in a Sustainable World

Here is a step-by-step guide to using this lesson plan in the classroom/laboratory. We have suggested these steps as a possible plan of action. You may customize the lesson plan according to your preferences and requirements.

Step 1: Topic introduction and discussion

1. Use the video, ‘Water Cycle’ by Khan Academy to introduce your students to the processes involved in the water cycle on Earth.
2. Describe how the water changes through gas-liquid phases and how each phase impacts life on Earth.
3. Finally, discuss how the water cycle results in the distribution of saltwater and freshwater resources on Earth.

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Step 2: Extend understanding

1. Use the webpage, ‘The Water Cycle for Adults and Advanced Students’, by the USGS (United States Geological Survey) Water Science School, to explore various aspects of the natural water cycle in detail.
2. Use the tabs in the ‘Overview’ section to explain the different components of the water cycle such as condensation, precipitation, and evaporation.
3. Stress on the importance of each component in maintaining the equilibrium of the natural water cycle and on the distribution of natural water resources on Earth.
4. Direct your students to download the water cycle diagram for a visual representation of the natural water cycle.
5. If required, use the interactive water cycle diagram in the multimedia section to enable better understanding of the topic.
6. Note: The water cycle diagram and a summary text are available in over 60 different languages.

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Step 3: Discuss further

1. Use the reading, ‘The Water Cycle and Climate Change’ by UCAR (University Corporation for Atmospheric Research) Center for Science Education to explain the effects of climate change on the natural water cycle on Earth.
2. Discuss using the text, how processes such as evaporation, precipitation, and cloud formation are affected by climate change.
3. Further explain how these changes in turn could exacerbate global warming, leading to increased changes in the Earth’s climate.

Go to the Reading

Step 4 (Optional) : Teaching Module on the Water Cycle and Freshwater Resources

1. Use the teaching module, ‘Unit 2: The Hydrologic Cycle and Freshwater Resources’ by SERC (The Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College) to discuss the different components of the water cycle, the distribution of Earth’s water resources and the possible effects of anthropogenic activities on the quality and availability of water.
2. Use the teaching notes to enable discussions on how human beings could optimize the use of water resources to facilitate environmental justice globally and adopt sustainable practices in keeping with Earth’s natural water cycle.
3. The teaching module has several downloadable documents such as pre-class activity sheet, assessment rubric, instructors’ notes, and lecture notes. The entire teaching module is also available to be downloaded for offline use.

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Suggested questions/assignments for learning evaluation :

1. What is the Earth’s natural water cycle? Describe its components.
2. Explain how the water cycle determines the distribution of the natural water resources on Earth.
3. How could human activities affect the Earth’s natural water cycle?
4. How does the water cycle affect Earth’s climate and vice versa?
5. What are the effects of global climate change on Earth’s natural water cycle?

The tools in this lesson plan will enable students to:

1. learn about the fundamentals of Earth’s natural water cycle
2. understand the importance of every component of the natural water cycle
3. describe the distribution of the natural water resources on Earth
4. discuss the possible impact of climate change on the natural water cycle and distribution of water resources
5. explain how anthropogenic activities could affect the natural water cycle

If you or your students would like to explore the topic further, these additional resources will be useful.